Mortenson | Saunders Named to Lead Construction of Cherry Creek West Redevelopment

Denver, CO – June 12, 2025 – Mortenson | Saunders, a joint venture between two of Denver’s most respected construction firms, has been selected as the construction manager and general contractor for the highly anticipated Cherry Creek West redevelopment (project website: https://cherrycreekwest.com/). With a proven track record of delivering transformative urban projects—such as the Cherry Creek North redevelopment, 9+CO, and buildings in the Denver’s iconic Union Station neighborhood—Mortenson and Saunders bring together decades of experience, local insight, and industry leadership. This partnership unites two firms with deep roots in the Denver community, combining their shared commitment to excellence in shaping the city’s evolving landscape.

Link to updated renderings (Courtesy of East West Partners, Gensler and GBD Architects)

“We’re honored to partner with Saunders Construction on the Cherry Creek West redevelopment,” said Brian Fitzpatrick, Vice President and General Manager of Mortenson. “This joint venture brings together two firms with deep roots in Denver and a shared purpose for building spaces that matter. With our combined expertise in urban redevelopment and a steadfast commitment to innovation, we’re proud to help shape a vibrant, sustainable community that celebrates the spirit and legacy of Cherry Creek.”

Located at the intersection of First Avenue and University Boulevard, Cherry Creek West will transform 13 acres of parking lot bordered by University Boulevard, First Avenue, the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, and Cherry Creek North Drive. This redevelopment is redefining how a neighborhood is designed, offering a balanced mix of office, residential, retail, and dining to create a vibrant live-work-play environment.

Key highlights of the Cherry Creek West redevelopment include:

• Designed for People First – Fostering connectivity and sustainability while honoring the neighborhood’s rich character through thoughtfully designed walkways, plazas, and gathering areas to enhance pedestrian accessibility and safety. 
• The Neighborhood’s New Front and Back Yard – From end-to-end Cherry Creek West is a place that draws people in, invites them to stay, and gives them places to gather and enjoy new experiences. 
• Putting the Creek Back in Cherry Creek – Everything leads to the creek, with the Integration of natural elements and improved access to the Cherry Creek Trail for recreation and relaxation. 
• Unapologetically Sustainable – Implementation of green building techniques, energy-efficient infrastructure, and a holistic approach to stormwater management.

“Mortenson and Saunders bring significant urban redevelopment experience and a collaborative approach to this important placemaking project. We’re excited and appreciate the opportunity to be part of a legacy project for the Cherry Creek neighborhood and City of Denver,” said Ryan Balakas, Vice President and General Manager of Saunders Construction.

The project is spearheaded by the placemaking expertise of East West Partners known for creating terrific places like the Union Station neighborhood and Riverfront Park. Their mission for Cherry Creek West is to create a vibrant, people-centric place that embraces the creek, connects to the existing neighborhood and is a terrific place to live and work. East West Partners has partnered with Ascentris, which views this as a generational investment, allowing them to be focused on making the right decisions for the community as a whole.

“We have had the pleasure of working with both Saunders and Mortenson on multiple projects in the past including Riverfront Park and Denver Union Station and we are thrilled to have them on the team for Cherry Creek West,” said Amy Cara, managing partner of East West Partners.

Cherry Creek West will be built in two phases. Demolition and enabling work on the east side of the property is set to begin by early 2026. Construction and phased openings of the first three buildings, an underground parking garage, improvements to the Cherry Creek Trail, and thoughtfully connected open space are anticipated through 2029. For more information on Cherry Creek West and project updates, visit cherrycreekwest.com.

About East West Partners

East West Partners is devoted to building, selling, managing and supporting high-quality real estate and life experiences with a focus on innovation, sustainability and community. Since 1986, the firm has developed and sold over $7 billion of residential and commercial real estate across the country. East West Partners is one of several companies to have received three Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for their projects – Beaver Creek Village in Beaver Creek, Colo.; and Union Station Neighborhood and Riverfront Park, both in Denver, Colo. For more information on East West Partners, visit www.ewpartners.com.

About Ascentris

Ascentris is a real estate private equity firm based in Denver, Colorado that manages a series of fully discretionary institutional vehicles targeting value-add, core-plus, and core investments across the major property types and geographic regions within the United States. Since 2003, Ascentris’ management team has relied on an investment philosophy and organizational structure for the purposes of getting its investors to opportunities ahead of the market and providing an unmatched level of service, transparency, and accountability. Ascentris is a privately held and management-owned SEC-registered investment adviser that maintains an unwavering commitment to put its investors’ needs first.

About Mortenson

Mortenson is a U.S.-based, top-20 builder, developer, and engineering services provider serving the commercial, institutional, and energy sectors. Mortenson’s expanding portfolio of integrated services helps its customers move their strategies forward, ensuring their investments result in high-performing assets. The result is a turnkey partner, fully invested in the business success of its customers.

Founded in 1954, Mortenson has operations across the U.S. with offices in Chicago, Denver, Fargo, Iowa City, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Antonio, and Seattle. For additional information, visit www.mortenson.com.

About Saunders Construction

Saunders serves the commercial building industry as a full-service general contractor, design-builder and construction manager. A leader in the Colorado construction industry since its inception in 1972, Saunders’ experience includes a wide range of project types. Saunders is one of the region’s largest general contractors and is the recipient of more than 100 industry awards for its construction excellence, employee achievements and community contributions. In addition, Saunders is a member of the Citadel Group – an alliance of seven regional construction-related companies with operations in 19 cities. For additional information, please visit www.saundersinc.com.

Media Contact

Teena Bergstrand

Community Outreach and Public Information Lead

(303) 699-9000

m.inquiries@saundersinc.com 

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